Microsoft announces Windows Phone 8 event

You might well have thought it was all done and dusted with the new hardware already showcased, but Microsoft still believes it needs a Windows Phone 8 event to impress us further.

It might well do. While the company has seen phones being launched that will be powered by its latest mobile platform, including the likes of the HTC 8X and 8S, along with the Nokia Lumia 920 and the Samsung Ativ S, it hasn't yet shown off the full extent of the Windows Phone 8 platform. This event is likely to be an opportunity to see just what the OS can do, a final chance for Microsoft to woo us, the mobile phone buyer.

The event is scheduled for 29 October in San Francisco, which is likely to be just ahead of the launch of the new hardware onto retailers' shelves. Perfect timing for a sales pitch then.

On top of that, Microsoft is also hosting a Windows 8 launch on 25 October, which is likely to be similar showcase for that platform and of course, the Microsoft Surface tablet. The first Surface is due out the day after, so we're not sure what to expect from this particular event. Maybe Microsoft will add more tablets to the range? Or simply show us once again what the tablet can do? We'll find out for sure in a few weeks.